Smith Rowe has returned to Arsenal a different player as pundit hails ‘boost’
Emile Smith Rowe will return to Arsenal with his “chest puffed out” after making his debut for England, according to Danny Mills.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Leeds United and England defender insisted Smith Rowe’s exploits this week will give him a “boost” ahead of Arsenal’s big game with Liverpool at the weekend.
The 21-year-old made his England debut from the bench against Albania before scoring on his full debut in a 10-0 win over San Marino.
He took to Twitter to share a picture of his debut and reveal he was “buzzing” at the landmark moment in his career.
“He won’t be more hungry but it will certainly give him more confidence, it will be a boost,” Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“He’ll go back there with his chest puffed out thinking ‘Phwoar, I’m a full international now. I’ve got a bit more status and stature. I’ve also got to live up to it now’.
“He’s set the standards a little bit higher and he’s got to live up to it now in every single game.
“I’m sure the other lads will make sure his feet stay firmly on the ground and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t.
“If he has a bad game, what the first thing that is going to be said in the media ‘He’s gone a bit big time’. Whether that’s right or wrong, that’s what will be labelled at him.
“Yes, he has to take the confidence but he has to be humble and keep working hard.”
In other news, the ‘new Jermain Defoe’ has been tipped to quit Arsenal for their London rivals after a reported update.